How do I find second chance apartments in New Haven?

Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — New Haven has 77 affordable housing properties. Many accept tenants with criminal records on a case-by-case basis. Call the property manager, explain your situation honestly, and ask about their screening criteria. Private landlords and smaller complexes tend to be more flexible than large corporate-managed properties.

Will a felony disqualify me from renting in New Haven?

Not necessarily. Many landlords in New Haven do individual assessments rather than blanket rejections. The type of conviction, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation all matter. Connecticut may have fair housing protections that limit how landlords can use criminal records in screening. Always ask about the specific policy before paying an application fee.

What is the average rent in New Haven?

Rent varies widely in New Haven. Subsidized housing through LIHTC or Section 8 programs typically costs 30% of your adjusted gross income, which can be significantly less than market rate. Contact local housing authorities for current availability and rates.

What are HUD housing counseling agencies?

HUD-approved housing counseling agencies provide free or low-cost advice on renting, buying, default/foreclosure prevention, and credit repair. New Haven has 3 HUD-approved counseling agencies. They can help you understand your rights, navigate the application process, and find housing that works for your situation — including if you have a criminal record.

Can I get Section 8 housing with a criminal record in Connecticut?

Most criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify you from Section 8 housing. The main disqualifications are: lifetime sex offender registration and methamphetamine production convictions. Individual housing authorities have discretion on other offenses. Apply directly to the New Haven Housing Authority and be honest about your history. Wait times can be long, so apply as soon as possible.

Second Chance Apartments in New Haven, CT

Last updated: 2026-03-25

New Haven, CT Housing at a Glance

Affordable Properties

Oxford Houses

N/A

FMR 2BR Rent

Counseling Agencies

Finding Second Chance Housing in New Haven

Finding an apartment with a criminal record in New Haven can be challenging, but it is far from impossible. The New Haven metro area has 77 affordable housing properties, including 49 LIHTC (tax credit) properties and 28 Section 8 properties. Many of these evaluate applicants individually rather than using blanket criminal record bans.

Your best strategy is to call properties directly before submitting an application. Ask the property manager about their screening criteria for criminal history. This saves you both time and non-refundable application fees. Private landlords and smaller complexes tend to be more flexible than large corporate management companies.

If you need help navigating the process, New Haven has 3 HUD-approved housing counseling agencies that provide free assistance with finding housing, understanding your rights, and improving your rental application. These counselors know which local properties are most open to second chance tenants.

For those in recovery, there are 4 Oxford Houses in the New Haven area providing self-supporting, sober living environments. These are an excellent option if you need stable housing while rebuilding your life.

Largest Affordable Housing Properties in New Haven

These are the largest subsidized properties by unit count. Contact them directly to ask about availability and screening policies.

Property	Address	Type	Units
Residences At Ninth Square	44 Orange St, New Haven, CT 6510	LIHTC	335
The Towers, Formerly Tower I-tower East	18 Tower Ln, New Haven, CT 06519	Section 8	328
River Run Apts	50 Grand Ave, New Haven, CT 6513	LIHTC	325
Sunset Ridge	1 Mountain Ridge Ter, New Haven, CT 6513	LIHTC	312
Elm Haven Rental I	69 Webster St, New Haven, CT 6511	LIHTC	236
Church Street South Apts	34 Cinque Green, New Haven, CT 06519	Section 8	204
Central Ymca	52 Howe St, New Haven, CT 6511	LIHTC	148
Berger Apartments	135 Derby Ave, New Haven, CT 06511	Section 8	144
Berger Apartments	135 Derby Avenue, New Haven, CT 6511	LIHTC	144
River Run Apartments	50 Grand Ave. And 47 Exc., New Haven, CT 06513	Section 8	140

Oxford Houses in New Haven

Oxford Houses are self-supporting, democratically run sober living homes. Residents share expenses and maintain sobriety together.

Name	Address	Gender	Beds	Vacancies	Phone
Moon Park	262 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT	Women	6	0	(877) 693-6734
New Haven	126 Spring Street, New Haven, CT	Men	11	0	(877) 693-6734
Rock ParkVACANCY	279 Blake Street, New Haven, CT	Women	9	1	(877) 693-6734
YaleVACANCY	531 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, CT	Men	11	1	(203) 562-2713

HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies

Free or low-cost housing counseling. These agencies can help you find housing, understand your rights, and navigate applications.

URBAN LEAGUE OF SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT

136 Sherman Ave Ste 104, New Haven, CT

203-327-5810website

Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Default/Foreclosure Workshop, Financial/Budget Workshop, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop, Rental Housing Counseling, Rental Housing Workshop

NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES OF NEW HAVEN

333 Sherman Ave, New Haven, CT

203-562-0598admin@nhsofnewhaven.orgwebsite

Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Financial/Budget Counseling, Home Improvement/Rehabilitation Counseling, Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase Workshop, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop, Rental Housing Counseling, Rental Housing Workshop, Reverse Mortgage Counseling

MUTUAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH CENTRAL CT, INC. DBA NEIGHBORWORKS NEW HORIZONS

235 Grand Ave, New Haven, CT

203-562-4514info@nwnh.netwebsite

Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Financial/Budget Workshop, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop, Rental Housing Counseling, Rental Housing Workshop

Tips for Finding Housing with a Record

1.Call properties directly before applying. Ask the manager about their screening policy for criminal records — this saves you time and application fees.
2.Try private landlords and smaller complexes first. Individual owners are often more flexible than corporate property management companies.
3.Prepare a "rental resume" with references from employers, parole/probation officers, past landlords, or community organizations that can vouch for you.
4.Offer a larger security deposit or several months of rent upfront if you can. This reduces the landlord's perceived risk.
5.Look into LIHTC (Low-Income Housing Tax Credit) properties — they have income requirements but many are more lenient on background checks than market-rate apartments.
6.Contact HUD-approved housing counseling agencies for free help navigating the process. They know which local properties work with people who have records.
7.Be honest about your history. If a landlord discovers you lied on an application, that is usually grounds for immediate lease termination.
8.Check if your conviction can be expunged or sealed. A clean record makes the housing search much easier. Visit our expungement guide for your state.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find second chance apartments in New Haven?: Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — New Haven has 77 affordable housing properties. Many accept tenants with criminal records on a case-by-case basis. Call the property manager, explain your situation honestly, and ask about their screening criteria. Private landlords and smaller complexes tend to be more flexible than large corporate-managed properties.
Will a felony disqualify me from renting in New Haven?: Not necessarily. Many landlords in New Haven do individual assessments rather than blanket rejections. The type of conviction, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation all matter. Connecticut may have fair housing protections that limit how landlords can use criminal records in screening. Always ask about the specific policy before paying an application fee.
What is the average rent in New Haven?: Rent varies widely in New Haven. Subsidized housing through LIHTC or Section 8 programs typically costs 30% of your adjusted gross income, which can be significantly less than market rate. Contact local housing authorities for current availability and rates.
Are there sober living homes in New Haven?: Yes. There are 4 Oxford Houses in the New Haven area. Oxford Houses are democratically run, self-supporting sober living homes. Residents share expenses and hold each other accountable. Contact them directly for availability — some may have vacancies right now.
What are HUD housing counseling agencies?: HUD-approved housing counseling agencies provide free or low-cost advice on renting, buying, default/foreclosure prevention, and credit repair. New Haven has 3 HUD-approved counseling agencies. They can help you understand your rights, navigate the application process, and find housing that works for your situation — including if you have a criminal record.
Can I get Section 8 housing with a criminal record in Connecticut?: Most criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify you from Section 8 housing. The main disqualifications are: lifetime sex offender registration and methamphetamine production convictions. Individual housing authorities have discretion on other offenses. Apply directly to the New Haven Housing Authority and be honest about your history. Wait times can be long, so apply as soon as possible.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Housing availability, screening policies, and rental rates change frequently. Always contact properties directly to confirm current availability and policies. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from housing — many properties evaluate applicants individually. For legal advice about your housing rights, contact a local HUD Fair Housing office or a legal aid organization.